Learning and Artistic Refinements

Introduction Town life became more dangerous as the empire’s political foundation crumbled In spite of the chaos, there was a great expansion of art, science, and learning Caravan trade flourished Mosques and Palaces grew more ornate Cordoban, Spain Tapestries and rugs Bronzes and ceramics

Persian Literature Persian replaced Arabic as the primary written language of the Abbasid court Arabic remained the religion of law, religion, and science Persian was the language of “high culture” Phrases like, “A jug of wine, a loaf of bread, and Thou” The Shah-Nama is the most recognized work written by Firdawsi

Portions of it are read out loud to music Writers wrote on many subjects Sa’di – fused everyday messages with a religious tone… p. 158

Science Corrected many algebraic and geometric theories of the Greeks Founded the basic concepts of trigonometry – sine, cosine, and tangent Chemistry – classified all substances into either animal, vegetable, or mineral Al-Biruni – calculated the weight of 18 minerals Cairo – a Muslim city, had some of the best hospitals in the world

Scientists made advancements in optics and bladder disorders Papermaking, silk-weaving, and ceramics were improved upon Muslim scholars became some of the best map makers in the world

Religious Trends The ulama – the religious scholars questioned all of these advancements Especially if they were not derived by Muslims The rise of a new variant of Islam – Sufi They were wandering mystics who sought personal union with Allah Similar to Buddhists and Hindus Tried to see beyond everyday life

Some became great healers Others led militant bands Others used drugs, songs or meditation

Nomadic Invasions The Mongols, led by Chinggis Khan invaded Chinggis died before the complete conquest, but is grandson Hulego finished it They captured Baghdad in 1258 CE